Do you want to start now to prepare for your future career? Here are seven helpful hints that will get you going in the right direction.
What comes to mind when you consider your future career? If you’re like most people, you imagine a consistent succession of employment in one industry, each one propelling you to the next level of achievement.
However, that type of job isn’t as widespread as it previously was.
According to statistics, by the time they were 52, baby boomers had worked at least 12 occupations. In addition, half of those positions were held between the ages of 18 and 24.
People most often change jobs because of external causes. For example, the global pandemic has shown us how fast diverse career pathways and firm growth goals can change. While one company may be thriving, another may be struggling to stay afloat.
Therefore, how can you prepare for your future career? Whether you’re just starting your job search or planning ahead here are seven helpful hints to get you going.
Step 1. Look into growth trends for your future career.
Knowing the growth trends of your future career might assist you in charting a career path.
Therefore, learn about the various career levels and what you’ll need to do to advance up the ladder. In addition, there are other things to learn to better understand your earning potential and to assist you with future interviews and salary negotiations. Therefore, look up the average income of your future career on sites like Salary.com and PayScale.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a fact-finding arm of the U.S. Department of Labor, is a good place to start. Its Occupational Outlook Handbook has thorough information on a wide range of areas. These include possible job growth rates and median income, among other things.
Step 2. Locate possible employers for your future career.
Find out who the major players are in the industry you’re interested in.
Who is hiring, and which companies have a culture that aligns with your career and personal goals? In addition, find out who can provide you with the perks and work flexibility you require?
Further, check out open openings at these companies. Learn what the prerequisites are even if you aren’t ready to apply.
Additionally, you can follow any firm that interests you on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. That way you can get a behind-the-scenes peek at how it operates.
Step 3. Speak with other experts.
Interacting and networking with others might help you stay informed about your future employment options. In addition, it does not have to be done in a regular networking meeting setting.
Consider joining virtual and in-person industry associations.
Even though most meetups were virtual during the pandemic, websites such as Meetup.com can be a valuable resource for discovering these communities. Many of these professional organizations meet weekly or monthly. Furthermore, they often have a guest speaker or a group topic to discuss. This can help you meet new people and form new contacts in a new job field.
Additionally, you can arrange for informational interviews with experts in your field of interest.
Despite the use of the term “interview,” this is more of a get-together. In this setting, you can speak with someone who is doing a job you’re interested in or someone who is higher up in your business.
Therefore, inquire about their background, what they’re working on, and what they enjoy or dislike about their position. In addition, you can ask them where they see the potential for advancement.
Step 4. Learn all you can about your future career.
Immersion in your prospective profession can help you become a more knowledgeable job search when the time comes.
Therefore, look for blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and books that are relevant. Additionally, learn about the hottest themes and issues in the industry.
Who are the decision-makers and game-changers? Further, follow them on social media and engage with them as needed.
Step 5. Volunteering, interning, or part-time work in your future career.
Getting hands-on experience in a field where you want to work in the future might be quite beneficial.
Volunteering, taking up an adult internship, or being open to freelance can help you gain job-relevant experience.
In addition, it can help you decide if this is an area in which you truly want to work. Furthermore, you can also form new connections in the sector.
This could lead to recommendations, career references, or perhaps a job.
If you’re transitioning to a new career field, even if it’s not full-time employment, this experience can have a major impact and position you for success.
Step 6. Cultivate professional and personal development.
Receiving a degree, taking certain classes, or gaining a certification may be helpful or essential to understand the most up-to-date information in your field.
Many colleges and learning platforms now offer online courses. This, therefore, can allow you to continue your education in your spare time.
Focus on specialisms with the best prospects for career progression. For example, completing a smart contract bootcamp is a good option for developers looking to thrive in the web3 era.
Further, this addition to your resume can demonstrate that you are serious about your new work and value skill development.
Step 7. Assess your personal branding.
It’s possible that your personal brand — the way you promote yourself professionally online and in job applications — needs revamping.
For example, in your professional social media biographies, are you employing the most up-to-date industry jargon?
In addition, are you keeping up with the latest developments by following subject matter experts? Is your resume up to date to reflect how your talents apply to your new job?
Make sure to emphasize your transferable skills and demonstrate how they may help a company.
